RFC is used in eukaryotic replication as a clamp loader, similar to the γ Complex in Escherichia coli.
ATP hydrolysis causes the release of RFC, with concomitant clamp loading onto DNA.
RFC plays an important role in the proliferation, invasion, and progression of various malignant tumors.
In the presence of ATP, RFC can load Proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] and DNA polymerase to form DNA-RFC-PCNA-DNA polymerase, which elongates in the presence of deoxynucleotides [dNTPs] via the action of human single-stranded DNA-binding protein [HSSB].
RFC1 has a binding region that interacts with PCNA, which has been linked to Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome [HGPS].
[3] To minimize somatic genetic alterations, checkpoint mechanisms stimulate a cell cycle halt at precise locations when DNA and perhaps other cellular constitutes are destroyed and sustain the arrested state till the signals clearly show the healing process from the injury is obtained.
To regulate the G2-M transition RFC proteins appear to be important in signal transmission to the checkpoint machinery.